“I hope he wins the Ballon d'Or” - Mikel Arteta says he wants Arsenal star to win award

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Declan Rice to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. He believes the Englishman has the qualities, adding that individual honor would also mean the club had ended their trophy drought.

Speaking to the media last week, Arteta said that he hopes to see Rice win the Ballon d'Or in his career, as he has been a key part of his side. He added the midfielder has been on top of his game since the start of the season and said (via Daily Mail):

"I hope so. That would mean that we have won a lot. Normally it goes very much related to (trophies). Again, I think he was immense the other day. I think he's been immense since the start of the season. He's an incredible and crucial player for us."

Bukayo Saka is another Arsenal star with his eyes set on the France Football award, saying earlier this year that he dreams of winning it during his career. He added that the focus would always remain on team performances and told Sky Sports:

"Of course, yeah, it's a dream and I think it's a dream for a lot of players. Oh yeah. Like I said the only thing you can focus on now is is when in here, that's my main focus and you know everything else come after that. But yeah, the main focus has been in here."

Declan Rice was the only Arsenal player in the Ballon d'Or Top 30 in 2-25, finishing 27th with 13 points.

Arsenal legend deserved the Ballon d'Or in his career, said Didier Drogba

Chelsea icon Didier Drogba spoke about Thierry Henry earlier this year, saying the Arsenal legend deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. He named the Frenchman as the best player he has seen and added that the forward should have won the award 10 times, and told BR Football (via Tribal Football):

"Thierry Henry (was unfairly overlooked). He deserved it like 10 times because I think he was fantastic in the Premier League, but also for the national team and in the Champions League he was exceptional. Scoring goals, winning games on his own and for his team. I mean, we're talking about Thierry Henry - I don't know if there's anything more to say."

Thierry Henry's best finish in the Ballon d'Or was in 2003, when the Arsenal legend came second to Pavel Nedved. He finished third in 2006, while coming fourth twice in his career: 2000 and 2004.